Perth Theatre Company axes major show because of funding shortfall

A West Australian theatre group has cancelled its 2015 season drawcard after failing to secure enough corporate sponsorship to make the play financially viable.

Perth Theatre Company (PTC) was due to perform John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men in December, starring Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts graduate Jai Courtney.

However, the board decided to cancel the show when it became clear the corporate sponsorship target of $250,000 was unlikely to be met, despite healthy ticket presales.

PTC chairman Saliba Sassine said the play required $500,000 to produce, meaning the future of the company would be put at risk if it proceeded.

"It became obvious that without a white knight, we would have to call the show off," Dr Sassine said.

"We were making progress but not quickly enough and it became just too high a risk to proceed without the full amount in place."

Dr Sassine said in the last few months, the company had noticed WA companies large and small were less willing to donate to the arts.

"We think it might be symptomatic of what's happening in the broader economy in Western Australia," he said.

We haven't had the optimal attendances at our other shows.

PTC chairman Saliba Sassine

"This is discretionary, it's not core business for corporations."

He said the decision to cancel Of Mice and Men, along with the smaller, less expensive play Yourseven, meant the company would be close to breaking even this year.

It would also provide financial security for PTC's four full-time staff.

"They're right at the front end, they're dealing with actors, producers, with theatre managers. It is very difficult, but they understand that, you know, this is a commercial decision, an artistic decision," Dr Sassine said.

PTC will now conduct a review of its operations while it seeks new sponsors for 2016.

The 32-year-old company also plans to audit its programming and supporter base.

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